From May 17th-20th the Nepean Master Swim Club in co-operation with the Nepean Kanata Barracudas Age Group Swim Club will be hosting the 2013 Canadian Masters National Championships.

There will be close to 900 competitors at this year’s meet that will also double as the Armed Forces Swimming Nationals.

“We are very proud of hosting this year’s championships,” said Meet Chair, Brigitte Zirger. “This event attracts a large number of swimmers of all abilities. While masters swimming is focused on fun, friendship, participation and achievement we expect some outstanding swims at all levels.”

There are several past Olympians that will be competing in this year’s event, which will include Gail Amundrud (1976, first Canadian woman to break 1:00 in the 100m Freestyle), Dave Heinbuch (1976), Dan Thompson (named to 1980 team, boycotted Games) and Bruce Robertson (1972)

Robertson won the Olympic silver medal in the 100 butterfly in 1972, finishing second to Mark Spitz. He also collected a bronze in the 4 x 100 medley relay.

Dan Thompson was the President of Swimming Canada from 2004 to 2008. Thompson took the position at a time when Swimming Canada was struggling not only in the pool, but out of the pool with their organizational structure. A good deal of credit for the change of culture within Canadian Swimming can be given to Thompson.

The Executive Director of Masters Canada Nancy Black says the Thompson will be one of the swimmers that should bring some excitement to the event, “Dan Thompson has already broken two world records this year in the 50m and 100m butterfly,” said Black. “We’ll all be watching him closely to see if he can go even faster, along with every other participant who is aiming for a new personal best.”